“He is a very stubborn man and at the time it didn't work out for him, but he really believes this time it will happen for him.

“Eighteen months ago Payet did not want to leave Marseille. They forced him to leave in a way, because they had to sell him to balance their books. He never really settled in England.

“His family are not settled, the children are not happy at school, his wife is not happy. They all went back to France and are already looking at new schools there.

“The main issue for him has always been the family. They were not happy and that was impacting on him as a person and as a player.”

GETTY

West Ham got a guard to keep watch on a Dimitri Payet sign at the Crystal Palace game

“Dimitri Payet will take a cut out to go back to Marseille, it is not about the money”

Julien Laurens

Payet is on £125,000-a-week with the Hammers and is open to taking a pay-cut to rejoin his old club.

Laurens added: “Payet will take a cut to go back to Marseille, it is not about the money. He is not going to China. Marseille have already reached an agreement to go back, now it is between the clubs.

“Marseille's second offer is clearly way below what West Ham want, but at least they are opening the door. Three days ago they said they would never sell him, now they say they would sell him if they receive £30-35m.

“I expect Marseille to go back with a better bid and still believe they will sell at some point.”